Four Courts

James Gandon and Thomas Cooley designed this regal structure built between 1786 and 1802. Since its completion, it has served as the location of the High Court of Justice of Ireland. The name Four Courts is derived from the four original court divisions still housed under its roof to the present time: Common Pleas, Chancery, Exchequer, and King’s Bench.

The imposing façade is enhanced by a six-column Corinthian portico. There are three statues here, Moses in the center, with Mercy and Wisdom on each side. The statues were carved by Edward Smyth.

The dome of Four Courts is huge – 64 feet in diameter, and makes the building easy to spot even from a distance. The view of the rest of Dublin City from the rotunda is also exceptional.

The building visible today is actually a restoration of the original. During the Irish Civil War, in 1922, much of the original was destroyed by bombs and fire as the anti-treaty rebels fought government forces in this part of the city. Fire also destroyed the adjoining Public Records Offices, and as a result, many irreplaceable legal documents and family records were destroyed.

The Four Courts was, however, rebuilt and restored according to James Gandon’s original design, in a process that took ten years to reach completion.

Visitors are permitted to enter and explore the building whenever court is in session.